Imagine heading to a six-year-old’s house on Christmas Day, expressing delight as gifts are eagerly accepted, only to feel compelled to introduce a sense of sobriety by announcing there is no Santa Claus. There was a bit of this going on at the final whistle at Anfield on Saturday night. Was there any chance of Liverpool supporters or officials basking in the gleeful glow of Mohamed Salah’s four goals against Watford? Of pondering the possibilities in Europe this season, or the feats he might inspire for the rest of his Anfield career? Not without an unwelcome intrusion of logic, it seems. Amid the acclaim, the haste to authoritatively announce it a matter of time before Real Madrid or Barcelona make their bid was only marginally slower than one of Salah’s sprints to goal. Whatever the motivation behind this outbreak of level-headedness – reason, fear, envy or (most likely) all three - it reflects Salah’s elevation into global phenomenon. “Well done superstar,” was the message captain Jordan Henderson scribbled on Salah’s match ball. The fact he said this was ‘keeping it simple’ underlines how the Egyptian has casually assumed VIP status. Salah left Miguel Britos (right) on the floor as he opened the scoring Credit: Reuters Lionel Messi/Salah comparisons earned Ian Wright ridicule in December. Now the ex-Arsenal striker resembles a sage, even if there is lavishness in this well-intentioned applause. Salah’s first goal here, when he put Miguel Britos on his backside before scoring, could have been a reconstruction of the Argentine's effort against Bayern Munich in the 2015 Champions League. Among the more extraordinary facts after this four-goal haul is Salah averages a goal every 90 minutes played this season - Messi scores once every ? minutes. But a more reasonable reference point is how Salah’s performances put one in mind of Luis Suarez’s Anfield career. And Salah’s performances elicit recollections of Luis Suarez’s Anfield career. The Egyptian is playing in a more balanced Liverpool team, but has similar ability to concoct as much as score goals. He struck his third here in the midst of stumbling, ensuring Watford’s defenders will spend the international break trying to untie the reef knots in neck and back muscles. He now has 28 league goals, just three short of the record held jointly by Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Suarez since the Premier League was reduced to 20 teams. At this rate it is one he will surely beat. Henderson, the only first team survivor from the Suarez-era, says such players instil a belief goals are assured. Salah's goal-scoring has evoked memories of Luis Suarez at Anfield Credit: Getty images “Luis is a fantastic player who I was privileged to play with. But Mo this season has been unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable. He is doing it every week, without fail,” he said. “If we work as hard as we possibly can, then Mo – or even Sadio (Mane) and Bobby (Firmino) – are going to finish it in the final third. We had that with Luis. You know when you are walking out there are so many goals out there for you.” Every matchday Liverpool’s highly respected and much consulted club statistician, Ged Rea, takes his seat in press box ready to offer factual nuggets. With each Salah goal he is obliged to consult goal records untouched for 20, 50 or in some cases 100 years. Salah has started his Liverpool career more prolific than Roger Hunt and Robbie Fowler – and could plausibly score more league goals in a single top-flight campaign than Ian Rush. For Jurgen Klopp the Salah show is a thrill and an-ever-so-slight (but welcome) irritation. Managers zealously avoid lauding individuals above the collective – especially as those in form need hugging least. Klopp’s decision to linger when issuing thanks to the other scorer Firmino, for example, seemed deliberate – an acknowledgement the application of all is facilitating Salah’s deeds. The contrast between the Salah at Chelsea, Roma and Liverpool is also a tribute to Klopp’s coaching, bringing out of the African what was always there but not all could see. “Nobody could know (that he could play as a striker). We learnt it step by step,” admitted Klopp, who laughed he too once scored four in a game. How Liverpool have improved without Coutinho “We didn’t know exactly that he’s (capable) of playing in the centre. It was early. Without consistency we couldn’t know but in the pre-season we knew. “But we will not treat him like, ‘You don’t have to train, Mo – just come on Saturday for the game and we’ll see you there at Anfield or whatever.’ He doesn’t want that. He’s exactly in the moment of his career but he knows there is a lot to come for him.” Of course the La Liga giants are watching. The difference in the cases of Suarez and Philippe Coutinho is they admired from afar. With Liverpool equipped to annually make the final stages of the Champions League, performances such as this might ensure they get a closer look at Salah sooner than they think.

Imagine heading to a six-year-old’s house on Christmas Day, expressing delight as gifts are eagerly accepted, only to feel compelled to introduce a sense of sobriety by announcing there is no Santa Claus. There was a bit of this going on at the final whistle at Anfield on Saturday night. Was there any chance of Liverpool supporters or officials basking in the gleeful glow of Mohamed Salah’s four goals against Watford? Of pondering the possibilities in Europe this season, or the feats he might inspire for the rest of his Anfield career? Not without an unwelcome intrusion of logic, it seems. Amid the acclaim, the haste to authoritatively announce it a matter of time before Real Madrid or Barcelona make their bid was only marginally slower than one of Salah’s sprints to goal. Whatever the motivation behind this outbreak of level-headedness – reason, fear, envy or (most likely) all three - it reflects Salah’s elevation into global phenomenon. “Well done superstar,” was the message captain Jordan Henderson scribbled on Salah’s match ball. The fact he said this was ‘keeping it simple’ underlines how the Egyptian has casually assumed VIP status. Salah left Miguel Britos (right) on the floor as he opened the scoring Credit: Reuters Lionel Messi/Salah comparisons earned Ian Wright ridicule in December. Now the ex-Arsenal striker resembles a sage, even if there is lavishness in this well-intentioned applause. Salah’s first goal here, when he put Miguel Britos on his backside before scoring, could have been a reconstruction of the Argentine's effort against Bayern Munich in the 2015 Champions League. Among the more extraordinary facts after this four-goal haul is Salah averages a goal every 90 minutes played this season - Messi scores once every ? minutes. But a more reasonable reference point is how Salah’s performances put one in mind of Luis Suarez’s Anfield career. And Salah’s performances elicit recollections of Luis Suarez’s Anfield career. The Egyptian is playing in a more balanced Liverpool team, but has similar ability to concoct as much as score goals. He struck his third here in the midst of stumbling, ensuring Watford’s defenders will spend the international break trying to untie the reef knots in neck and back muscles. He now has 28 league goals, just three short of the record held jointly by Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Suarez since the Premier League was reduced to 20 teams. At this rate it is one he will surely beat. Henderson, the only first team survivor from the Suarez-era, says such players instil a belief goals are assured. Salah's goal-scoring has evoked memories of Luis Suarez at Anfield Credit: Getty images “Luis is a fantastic player who I was privileged to play with. But Mo this season has been unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable. He is doing it every week, without fail,” he said. “If we work as hard as we possibly can, then Mo – or even Sadio (Mane) and Bobby (Firmino) – are going to finish it in the final third. We had that with Luis. You know when you are walking out there are so many goals out there for you.” Every matchday Liverpool’s highly respected and much consulted club statistician, Ged Rea, takes his seat in press box ready to offer factual nuggets. With each Salah goal he is obliged to consult goal records untouched for 20, 50 or in some cases 100 years. Salah has started his Liverpool career more prolific than Roger Hunt and Robbie Fowler – and could plausibly score more league goals in a single top-flight campaign than Ian Rush. For Jurgen Klopp the Salah show is a thrill and an-ever-so-slight (but welcome) irritation. Managers zealously avoid lauding individuals above the collective – especially as those in form need hugging least. Klopp’s decision to linger when issuing thanks to the other scorer Firmino, for example, seemed deliberate – an acknowledgement the application of all is facilitating Salah’s deeds. The contrast between the Salah at Chelsea, Roma and Liverpool is also a tribute to Klopp’s coaching, bringing out of the African what was always there but not all could see. “Nobody could know (that he could play as a striker). We learnt it step by step,” admitted Klopp, who laughed he too once scored four in a game. How Liverpool have improved without Coutinho “We didn’t know exactly that he’s (capable) of playing in the centre. It was early. Without consistency we couldn’t know but in the pre-season we knew. “But we will not treat him like, ‘You don’t have to train, Mo – just come on Saturday for the game and we’ll see you there at Anfield or whatever.’ He doesn’t want that. He’s exactly in the moment of his career but he knows there is a lot to come for him.” Of course the La Liga giants are watching. The difference in the cases of Suarez and Philippe Coutinho is they admired from afar. With Liverpool equipped to annually make the final stages of the Champions League, performances such as this might ensure they get a closer look at Salah sooner than they think.

Imagine heading to a six-year-old’s house on Christmas Day, expressing delight as gifts are eagerly accepted, only to feel compelled to introduce a sense of sobriety by announcing there is no Santa Claus. There was a bit of this going on at the final whistle at Anfield on Saturday night. Was there any chance of Liverpool supporters or officials basking in the gleeful glow of Mohamed Salah’s four goals against Watford? Of pondering the possibilities in Europe this season, or the feats he might inspire for the rest of his Anfield career? Not without an unwelcome intrusion of logic, it seems. Amid the acclaim, the haste to authoritatively announce it a matter of time before Real Madrid or Barcelona make their bid was only marginally slower than one of Salah’s sprints to goal. Whatever the motivation behind this outbreak of level-headedness – reason, fear, envy or (most likely) all three - it reflects Salah’s elevation into global phenomenon. “Well done superstar,” was the message captain Jordan Henderson scribbled on Salah’s match ball. The fact he said this was ‘keeping it simple’ underlines how the Egyptian has casually assumed VIP status. Salah left Miguel Britos (right) on the floor as he opened the scoring Credit: Reuters Lionel Messi/Salah comparisons earned Ian Wright ridicule in December. Now the ex-Arsenal striker resembles a sage, even if there is lavishness in this well-intentioned applause. Salah’s first goal here, when he put Miguel Britos on his backside before scoring, could have been a reconstruction of the Argentine's effort against Bayern Munich in the 2015 Champions League. Among the more extraordinary facts after this four-goal haul is Salah averages a goal every 90 minutes played this season - Messi scores once every ? minutes. But a more reasonable reference point is how Salah’s performances put one in mind of Luis Suarez’s Anfield career. And Salah’s performances elicit recollections of Luis Suarez’s Anfield career. The Egyptian is playing in a more balanced Liverpool team, but has similar ability to concoct as much as score goals. He struck his third here in the midst of stumbling, ensuring Watford’s defenders will spend the international break trying to untie the reef knots in neck and back muscles. He now has 28 league goals, just three short of the record held jointly by Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Suarez since the Premier League was reduced to 20 teams. At this rate it is one he will surely beat. Henderson, the only first team survivor from the Suarez-era, says such players instil a belief goals are assured. Salah's goal-scoring has evoked memories of Luis Suarez at Anfield Credit: Getty images “Luis is a fantastic player who I was privileged to play with. But Mo this season has been unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable. He is doing it every week, without fail,” he said. “If we work as hard as we possibly can, then Mo – or even Sadio (Mane) and Bobby (Firmino) – are going to finish it in the final third. We had that with Luis. You know when you are walking out there are so many goals out there for you.” Every matchday Liverpool’s highly respected and much consulted club statistician, Ged Rea, takes his seat in press box ready to offer factual nuggets. With each Salah goal he is obliged to consult goal records untouched for 20, 50 or in some cases 100 years. Salah has started his Liverpool career more prolific than Roger Hunt and Robbie Fowler – and could plausibly score more league goals in a single top-flight campaign than Ian Rush. For Jurgen Klopp the Salah show is a thrill and an-ever-so-slight (but welcome) irritation. Managers zealously avoid lauding individuals above the collective – especially as those in form need hugging least. Klopp’s decision to linger when issuing thanks to the other scorer Firmino, for example, seemed deliberate – an acknowledgement the application of all is facilitating Salah’s deeds. The contrast between the Salah at Chelsea, Roma and Liverpool is also a tribute to Klopp’s coaching, bringing out of the African what was always there but not all could see. “Nobody could know (that he could play as a striker). We learnt it step by step,” admitted Klopp, who laughed he too once scored four in a game. How Liverpool have improved without Coutinho “We didn’t know exactly that he’s (capable) of playing in the centre. It was early. Without consistency we couldn’t know but in the pre-season we knew. “But we will not treat him like, ‘You don’t have to train, Mo – just come on Saturday for the game and we’ll see you there at Anfield or whatever.’ He doesn’t want that. He’s exactly in the moment of his career but he knows there is a lot to come for him.” Of course the La Liga giants are watching. The difference in the cases of Suarez and Philippe Coutinho is they admired from afar. With Liverpool equipped to annually make the final stages of the Champions League, performances such as this might ensure they get a closer look at Salah sooner than they think.

Excellent Leipzig deserved Bayern win - Heynckes

RB Leipzig deserved to claim the club's first win over Bayern Munich, according to the Bundesliga champions' coach Jupp Heynckes.

Bayern's Sandro Wagner, right, celebrates together with his teammates after scoring a goal during the German first division Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in Leipzig, Germany, Sunday, March 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)

Runaway Bundesliga leader Bayern slumps to rare defeat

Leipzig's Timo Werner, left, celebrates together with Leipzig's Konrad Laimer, right, after scoring a goal during the German first division Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in Leipzig, Germany, Sunday, March 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)

Runaway Bundesliga leader Bayern slumps to rare defeat

Leipzig's Timo Werner, center, celebrates together with his teammates after scoring a goal during the German first division Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in Leipzig, Germany, Sunday, March 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Bayern's Robert Lewandowski sees the yellow card during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Bayern's Robert Lewandowski sees the yellow card during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Bayern's Sebastian Rudy (L) and Mats Hummels react after their defeat in the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. Leipzig won 2-1. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Bayern's Sebastian Rudy (L) and Mats Hummels react after their defeat in the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. Leipzig won 2-1. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's players celebrate their victory over Munich in the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. Leipzig won 2-1. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's players celebrate their victory over Munich in the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. Leipzig won 2-1. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- The referee Marco Fritz checks the video assistant during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- The referee Marco Fritz checks the video assistant during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's Emil Forsberg (L) and Bayern's Robert Lewandowski in action during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's Emil Forsberg (L) and Bayern's Robert Lewandowski in action during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's players celebrate their victory over Munich in the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. Leipzig won 2-1. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's players celebrate their victory over Munich in the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. Leipzig won 2-1. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's head coach Ralph Hasenhuettl (2 L) celebrates with his players their victory over Munich in the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. Leipzig won 2-1. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's head coach Ralph Hasenhuettl (2 L) celebrates with his players their victory over Munich in the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. Leipzig won 2-1. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's Jean-Kevin Augustin (down) and Bayern's Niklas Suele (R) in action during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)

Leipzig (Germany), 18/03/2018.- Leipzig's Jean-Kevin Augustin (down) and Bayern's Niklas Suele (R) in action during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, in Leipzig, Germany, 18 March 2018. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA (EMBARGO CONDITIONS - ATTENTION: Due to the accreditation guidelines, the DFL only permits the publication and utilisation of up to 15 pictures per match on the internet and in online media during the match.)